Shape memory alloy actuated dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispensing system is provided including a dispensing device that dispenses a material stored within the dispensing system during a dispense event. A dimensionally adjustable element is coupled to the dispensing device. The dimensionally adjustable element can actuate the dispensing device to facilitate the dispense event based upon a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element. A sensor is coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element and can detect a presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system. The sensor can activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system. In this manner material can be dispensed from the dispensing system when the user is in proximity to the same.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant application is generally directed towards a dispensing system. For example, the instant application is directed towards a dispensing system that dispenses material when a user is in proximity to the dispensing system.

BACKGROUND

Dispensing systems can store and selectively dispense a sanitizing material (e.g., soap, hand sanitizer, cleaners, disinfectants, moisturizers etc.). Dispensing systems can dispense the sanitizing material in response when a user is in proximity to the dispensing system.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an example, a dispensing system is provided comprising a dispensing device configured to dispense a material stored within the dispensing system during a dispense event. A dimensionally adjustable element is coupled to the dispensing device. The dimensionally adjustable element can actuate the dispensing device to facilitate the dispense event based upon a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element. A sensor is coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element and can detect a presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system. The sensor can activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system.

In another example, a dispensing system comprises a dispensing device configured to dispense a material stored within the dispensing system during a dispense event. The dispensing device comprises an actuator portion configured to actuate the dispense event based upon a movement of the actuator portion. A dimensionally adjustable element is coupled to the actuator portion of the dispensing device. The dimensionally adjustable element can cause the movement of the actuator portion based upon a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element. A sensor is coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element and can detect a presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system. The sensor can activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system.

In another example, a method of dispensing a material comprises detecting a presence of a user in proximity to a dispensing system from which the material is dispensed. In an example, the method comprises activating a dimensional adjustment of a dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system. In an example, the method comprises dispensing the material from the dispensing system based upon the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.

The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects can be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of dispensing a material;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example dispensing system;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example dispensing system exhibiting a dispense event;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a first example of a dimensionally adjustable element engaging a dispensing device to cause a dispense event;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a second example of a dimensionally adjustable element engaging a dispensing device to cause a dispense event; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a third example of a dimensionally adjustable element engaging a dispensing device to cause a dispense event.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

Turning to FIG. 1, an example method 100 of operating a dispensing system is illustrated. The method 100 can be used in association with some or all of the features illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 11. At 102, the method 100 starts. At 104, the presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system from which material is dispensed can be detected. At 106, a dimensional adjustment of a dimensionally adjustable element can be activated in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system. At 108, the material can be dispensed from the dispensing system based upon the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.

Turning to FIG. 2, a dispensing system 200 is illustrated. The dispensing system 200 is illustrated somewhat generically/schematically with one or more block diagrams for ease of illustration. Indeed, FIG. 2 is intended to depict at least some of the features of the dispensing system 200 that may normally be obscured from view. In operation, the dispensing system 200 can be fully formed with walls, covers, housings, or the like, such that some of the features within the dispensing system 200 may not be visible. In general, the dispensing system 200 can be used for storing and/or dispensing a material.

The dispensing system 200 can include a housing 202. The housing 202 includes one or more walls, covers, or the like. The housing 202 can hold and/or store a material that can be dispensed from the housing. The material can include, for example, a liquid material, a powder material, an aerosol material, an antibacterial product, etc. Indeed, the material includes any number of liquid, semi-liquid, gel, powder, foam based materials, etc. The material includes, for example, cleaning materials such as sanitizers, antiseptics, soaps, moisturizers, or the like. In other examples, the material may include water or other non-cleaning liquid materials. The material is not specifically limited to these examples, and could include any number of types of materials.

The housing 202 can include a nozzle 204 for selectively restricting the ingress/egress of the material into/out of the housing 202. The nozzle 204 of FIG. 2 comprises only one of many different types of nozzles that can be used with the housing 202. In this example, the nozzle 204 can be coupled to the housing 202 in a downward orientation for dispensing the material. In other examples, however, the nozzle 204 could include nearly any other suitable dispensing nozzle configurations.

In operation, a user 206 (illustrated generically/schematically with the user's hand) can move 208 in proximity to the dispensing system 200. In an example, the user 206 can move 208 his/her hand towards (e.g., movement illustrated with directional arrow) the dispensing system 200. The user 206 can place his/her hand near and/or underneath the nozzle 204. The dispensing system 200 can dispense the material through the nozzle 204 to the user 206.

The dispensing system 200 can include a power supply 210. The power supply 210 includes any number of sources of electrical power, including batteries (e.g., double A, triple A, etc.), fuel cells, electrical energy transmission systems, solar or thermal power, etc. The power supply 210 can supply electrical power to the housing 220 of the dispensing system 200 and, in particular, to respective the features/components illustrated in FIG. 2.

The dispensing system 200 can include one or more sensors 214 supported by the housing 202. The sensor 214 can be coupled to the power supply 210, such that the sensor 214 can be powered by the power supply 210. In an example, the sensor 214 can be positioned in proximity to the nozzle 204 so as to detect a presence of the user 206 in proximity to the dispensing system 200. In other examples, however, the sensor 214 could be supported at nearly any location by the housing 202 so as to detect the user 206. In the illustrated example, the sensor 214 can detect when the user 206 places his/her hand near the nozzle 204

The sensor 214 includes any number of sensing devices that can detect the presence of the user 206. The sensor 214 includes, for example, visual detection components, thermal detection components, or the like. In these examples, the sensor 214 can include an optical sensor, photosensor, active pixel sensor, level sensor, camera, etc. Indeed, the sensor 214 is not limited to these examples, and could include nearly any type of device that detects the presence of the user 206. In an example, the sensor 214 can transmit a signal based upon the detection of the presence of the user 206.

The dispensing system 200 can include a switch 218. In an example, the switch 218 can be coupled to the sensor 214 to selectively allow for electrical power (e.g., electrical current) to flow through the switch 218. The switch 218 can include any number of devices that are capable of selectively interrupting electrical current flow. The switch 218 can include, for example, an electromechanical switch with one or more electrical contacts. In other examples, however, the switch 218 can include transistors, relays, etc.

The switch 218 can be controlled by the sensor 214. For example, when the sensor 214 detects the presence of the user 206, the sensor 214 can cause the switch 218 to close, such that electrical current can flow through the switch 218. As such, the sensor 214 can cause a change in the electrical current in a dimensionally adjustable element 230 to activate a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element 230. This change can include, for example, allowing or preventing the passage of electrical current through the switch 218 and the dimensionally adjustable element 230. It is to be appreciated that electrical current flowing through the switch 218 is generically/schematically represented in FIG. 2 as electrical energy 224. In an example, when the sensor 214 does not detect the presence of the user 206, the switch 218 can remain open, thus limiting electrical current from flowing through the switch 218.

The dispensing system 200 can include the dimensionally adjustable element 230. The dimensionally adjustable element 230 is generically/schematically represented in FIG. 2 since the dimensionally adjustable element 230 includes any number of structures. For example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can include wire(s), cable(s), wiring harness(es), alloy(s), or the like.

In an example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can include a shape memory alloy wire or material. Shape memory alloys (SMAS) are alloys that “remember” a particular shape and can be returned to that shape after being deformed by applying heat to the alloy. SMAS can include, for example, alloys of copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, copper-aluminum-nickel, and nickel-titanium.

The dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be dimensionally adjusted. In an example, the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 includes a change in a length of the dimensionally adjustable element 230. For example, the change in the length can include increasing the length of the dimensionally adjustable element 230. In another example, the change in the length can include decreasing the length of the dimensionally adjustable element 230. The dimensionally adjustable element 230 is not limited to length changes, however, and in other examples, can include shape changes as well (e.g., bends, curves, undulations, or the like).

The dispensing system 200 can include a dispensing device 240. The dispensing device 240 can be coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element 230. The dispensing device 240 can also be coupled/attached to the nozzle 204, such that the dispensing device 240 can selectively control the dispensing/supplying of material (e.g., a dispense event) from the dispensing system 200. It is to be appreciated that the dispensing device 240 is generically/schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 because the dispensing device 240 includes any number of structures/devices. Indeed, the dispensing device 240 includes any number of structures/devices that are capable of selectively dispensing/supplying material (e.g., dispense event) through the nozzle 204. The dispensing device 240 can dispense a material (e.g., illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6) that is stored within the dispensing system 200 during a dispense event.

The dispensing device 240 can include an actuator portion 250. The actuator portion 250 can actuate the dispense event based upon a movement of the actuator portion 250. The actuator portion 250 includes, for example, linear actuators, rotary actuators, lever arms, or the like. Indeed, the actuator portion 250 comprises any number of mechanical or electromechanical devices. The actuator portion 250 can likewise be provided in association with a pump, pumping device or the like. The actuator portion 250 can be coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element 230. In an example, the actuator portion 250 is movable, such that movement of the actuator portion 250 can cause the dispensing/supplying of the material (e.g., a dispense event). As such, the actuator portion 250 can be moved in response to the dimensionally adjustable element 230 being dimensionally adjusted. For example, the length of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be adjusted, such as by being shortened or lengthened. In such an example, this dimensional adjustment (e.g., shortening or lengthening) can cause the actuator portion 250 to move, which likewise triggers the dispense event.

Turning now to FIG. 3, an example operation of the dispensing system 200 is illustrated. In this example, the user 206 can move his/her hand into proximity with the dispensing system 200 to produce a dispense event 300 (illustrated generically/schematically with arrowhead). For example, the user 206 can move his/her hand underneath the nozzle 204 so as to receive material 302 from the dispensing system 200.

The sensor 214 can detect the presence of the user 206 in proximity to the dispensing system 200. In response, the sensor 214 can trigger the switch 218 to close, such that electrical energy 224, such as in the form of electrical current flow, can flow through the switch 218. In an example, the sensor can activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element 230. For example, electrical current can flow from the switch 218 and through the dimensionally adjustable element 230. Electrical current flowing through the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can cause a change in a temperature of the dimensionally adjustable element 230, such as by producing heat. In response, the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be activated. In an example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be changed in length by being reduced in length. This reduction in length is illustrated generically/schematically with arrowhead 304.

The dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can actuate the dispensing device 240 to facilitate the dispense event 300. In the illustrated example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 is shortened in length (e.g., arrowhead 304). Based upon the dimensional adjustment, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can cause movement of the actuator portion 250. Movement of the actuator portion 250 can trigger the dispense event 300, thus dispensing the material 302 to the user 206.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an example of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 engaging the dispensing device 240 is illustrated. In this example, the sensor 214 can trigger electrical current to flow through the switch 218 (e.g., when closed) in response to the detection of the user 206. In the illustrated example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can engage and at least partially be wound around one or more pulleys 400. While six pulleys are illustrated in this example, it is to be understood that any number of pulleys 400 can be provided. The pulleys similarly could include any number of arrangements. In this example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can wrap around a first pulley 400 a, a second pulley 400 b, and a third pulley 400 c.

The dimensionally adjustable element 230, after wrapping around the third pulley 400 c, can be attached to a spring 406. The spring 406 is illustrated generically/schematically in FIG. 4, as the spring 406 includes any number of sizes, shapes, constructions, etc. In general, the spring 406 can be attached at one end to the dimensionally adjustable element 230 and at an opposing second end to the actuator portion 250.

In operation, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be dimensionally adjusted. For example, in response to an electrical current flow, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be reduced in length (e.g., illustrated as a length reduction 408 with arrowhead). This length reduction 408 can deliver a pulling force on the spring 406, which similarly produces a pulling force on the actuator portion 250. Resulting movement of the actuator portion 250 can trigger the dispense event 300, thus dispensing the material 302 to the user 206.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a second example of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 engaging the dispensing device 240 is illustrated. In this example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can include a first dimensionally adjustable element 230 a, a second dimensionally adjustable element 230 b, and a third dimensionally adjustable element 230 c. The first dimensionally adjustable element 230 a can be wrapped around a first pulley system 500 a. The second dimensionally adjustable element 230 b can be wrapped around a second pulley system 500 b. The third dimensionally adjustable element 230 c can be wrapped around a third pulley system 500 c. In an example, the pulley systems 500 a-500 c can each be movable. As such, individual pulleys within the pulley systems 500 a-500 c can move in response to dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element 230.

In this example, the first, second, and third dimensionally adjustable elements 230 a-230 c can each be attached to a fourth dimensionally adjustable element 230 d. The fourth dimensionally adjustable element 230 d can be wrapped at least partially around a fourth pulley 502. In operation, the dimensionally adjustable elements 230 a-230 d can be dimensionally adjusted. For example, in response to an electrical current flow, the dimensionally adjustable elements 230 a-230 c can be reduced in length (e.g., illustrated as a length reduction 508 with arrowhead).

The length reduction 508 can deliver a pulling force on the fourth dimensionally adjustable element 230 d. Resulting movement of the fourth dimensionally adjustable element 230 d can deliver a pulling force on the spring 406, which similarly produces a pulling force on the actuator portion 250. As such, movement of the actuator portion 250 can trigger the dispense event 300, thus dispensing the material 302 to the user 206.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a third example of the dimensionally adjustable element 230 engaging the dispensing device 240 is illustrated. In this example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 is illustrated as including a single dimensionally adjustable element 230, though in other examples may include a plurality of dimensionally adjustable elements 230. In this example, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be dimensionally adjusted, such as by experiencing a length reduction 600, in response to electrical current flowing through the dimensionally adjustable element 230.

The dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be attached to an actuator portion 602. The actuator portion 602 is illustrated somewhat generically/schematically. In general, the actuator portion 602 can engage a container 604 stored within the housing 202. The container 604 can contain, for example, the material 302.

In operation, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be dimensionally adjusted. For example, in response to an electrical current flow, the dimensionally adjustable element 230 can be reduced in length (e.g., length reduction 600). This length reduction 600 can deliver a pulling force on the actuator portion 602. Resulting movement of the actuator portion 602 can trigger the dispense event 300. In particular, this resulting movement can cause the material 302 to flow from the container 604 and through the nozzle 204 to the user.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first set of information and a second set of information generally correspond to set of information A and set of information B or two different or two identical sets of information or the same set of information.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generally to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to “comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing system comprising: a dispensing device configured to dispense a material stored within the dispensing system during a dispense event; a dimensionally adjustable element coupled to the dispensing device, the dimensionally adjustable element configured to actuate the dispensing device to facilitate the dispense event based upon a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element; and a sensor coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element and configured to detect a presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system, the sensor configured to activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system.
 2. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to cause a change in electrical current in the dimensionally adjustable element to activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 3. The dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the change in electrical current causes a change in a temperature of the dimensionally adjustable element to activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 4. The dispensing system of claim 2, wherein the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element comprises a change in a length of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 5. The dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the change in the length comprises increasing the length.
 6. The dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the change in the length comprises decreasing the length.
 7. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the dimensionally adjustable element comprises a shape memory alloy wire.
 8. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing device comprises an actuator portion coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element.
 9. The dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the actuator portion is configured to actuate the dispense event based upon a movement of the actuator portion.
 10. A dispensing system comprising: a dispensing device configured to dispense a material stored within the dispensing system during a dispense event, the dispensing device comprising an actuator portion configured to actuate the dispense event based upon a movement of the actuator portion; a dimensionally adjustable element coupled to the actuator portion of the dispensing device, the dimensionally adjustable element configured to cause the movement of the actuator portion based upon a dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element; and a sensor coupled to the dimensionally adjustable element and configured to detect a presence of a user in proximity to the dispensing system, the sensor configured to activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system.
 11. The dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the sensor is configured to cause a change in electrical current in the dimensionally adjustable element to activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 12. The dispensing system of claim 11, wherein the change in electrical current causes a change in a temperature of the dimensionally adjustable element to activate the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 13. The dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element comprises a change in a length of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 14. The dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the change in the length comprises increasing the length.
 15. The dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the change in the length comprises decreasing the length.
 16. The dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the dimensionally adjustable element comprises a shape memory alloy wire.
 17. A method of dispensing a material, comprising: detecting a presence of a user in proximity to a dispensing system from which the material is dispensed; activating a dimensional adjustment of a dimensionally adjustable element in response to detecting the presence of the user in proximity to the dispensing system; and dispensing the material from the dispensing system based upon the dimensional adjustment of the dimensionally adjustable element.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein activating the dimensional adjustment comprises causing a change in electrical current in the dimensionally adjustable element.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein activating the dimensional adjustment comprises causing a change in temperature in the dimensionally adjustable element.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein activating the dimensional adjustment comprises causing a change in length of the dimensionally adjustable element. 